A new butterfly, a tribute to a voice the Northeast loved
A previously unknown butterfly species has been discovered in the semi-evergreen forests of Arunachal Pradesh’s Leparada district — and it carries a name that will mean something to anyone from the Northeast.
The species, scientifically classified as Euthalia (Limbusa) zubeengargi, was found in the Basar region by butterfly enthusiast and policeman Roshan Upadhaya along with researcher Kalesh Sadasivan. Researchers confirmed the species as previously undocumented and proposed the common name “Basar Duke,” linking it to its place of discovery, according to India Today NE.
The findings have been published in Entomon, a peer-reviewed journal of the Association for the Advancement of Entomology, according to Outlook Traveller. The species inhabits semi-evergreen forests at elevations of approximately 600–700 metres, preferring cool, shaded understories.
The butterfly appears to be extremely rare — only two individuals were documented despite extensive surveys, raising the possibility that the species is either naturally scarce or difficult to detect in dense forest habitats, the National Herald reported.
The naming honours the late Assamese singer Zubeen Garg, who passed away in September 2025. Reacting to the honour, Garg’s wife, Garima Saikia Garg, shared an emotional message, expressing joy at seeing his legacy connected to nature, Outlook Traveller reported. Scientists note that such gestures help draw wider public attention to the extraordinary biodiversity of the Eastern Himalayan region — and the urgent need to protect it.
📰 Sources: National Herald India, India Today NE, Outlook Traveller
India Wildlife News aggregates wildlife stories from across Indian media to bring the latest from the field to enthusiasts, conservationists, and curious readers — all in one place. Full credit and links to original sources are provided. We encourage readers to visit and support the original publishers.
Maharashtra passes wildlife amendment bill amid leopard conflict debate
Maharashtra’s state legislative assembly passed the Wildlife Protection (Maharashtra Amendment) Bill, 2026, with the government asserting it would not lead to permits to hunt wild animals including leopards. Forest Minister Ganesh Naik said the bill is aimed at facilitating better management of human-wildlife conflict, pertaining to provisions under Section 12 of the Wildlife Protection Act, The Print reported, citing the Press Trust of India.
Naik rejected fears that the bill would downgrade leopards from Schedule I to Schedule II protection status, saying: “It is only about granting limited permissions for specific purposes. There is no provision to allow hunting of any wildlife.” Even after state approval, the amendment would require assent from the Governor and the President before coming into effect, according to the report.
Opposition voices were not convinced. Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Aaditya Thackeray warned that there is no scientific evidence that moving a species from Schedule I to Schedule II improves management outcomes, and cautioned it could increase the risk of poaching and illegal trade. He called instead for a comprehensive leopard management programme involving scientific intervention and expert committees, it said.
The bill passed by voice vote. The broader issue it reflects — leopards increasingly appearing in urban Maharashtra — is one that conservationists across the country are watching closely.
📰 Source: The Print / PTI
indiawildlifenews.com 